What is the ordinance regarding construction noise?

Q: What is the law or ordinance on how early a construction site in a residential neighborhood can start working? Can they work on Saturdays and Sundays? How late can they work? Is it different for work being done in an apartment complex?

A: Construction times allowed by the city of Seattle’s noise ordinance are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Here’s a chart created by the city’s Department of Planning and Development of the permissible noise levels:

A noise variance for construction outside the regular hours may be granted for short periods of time, according to the city’s Web site. Certain types of construction – including some interior work – are allowed at any time.

For comparison, library noise is estimated at 30 decibels, alarm clocks and hair dryers are about 80 decibels.

People in Seattle who are concerned about construction noise, a commercial facility noise or machinery may file a complaint with the Department of Planning and Development. For more information, click here.

Though many people call 911 for noise complaints, that’s not the best solution unless the situation is a true emergency, a police spokesman said. People with non-emergency matters who want police assistance can call 206-625-5011.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.